the girls?” Mia asked Sam.
“They’re good. They’re looking forward to Kate’s cookout next weekend. I think because I mentioned there might be s’mores. It’s not like they know anyone there, except me.”
Mia smiled. “Maybe they’re just excited to get out and about.”
“That’s probably true. I’m going to take them down to the pier on Monday to watch all the boats leave. I think that’s the best time to see them all. We might go on Saturday for a while, too, to see some of them sail in. The girls have never seen many big sailboats like that, and I think I got them curious. Plus, it’s something to do.”
“They will love it, I bet. The energy down at the pier is exciting on Figawi weekend. So many boats. Over two hundred, I think.”
“When I was younger, I raced in it a few times. One of my friend’s father had a nice sailboat and took us with him. It’s quite a ride. These are serious sailors.”
“That sounds fun. I’ve actually never been on a boat, other than the ferry.”
“Being on a boat, a real sailboat is a blast. If you ever get the chance, you should go.”
“Yeah, I will, definitely. I don’t know anyone with a boat, but maybe one day.”
Mia could picture the girls watching the boats with their dad and it occurred to her that she hadn’t asked him how they were doing.
“How are the girls doing with their mom being gone? I meant to ask that earlier.”
“It was really hard for them for the first few months. They both had trouble sleeping and Sarah went through a bed-wetting period. But they seem pretty good now. They rebounded faster than their dad did.”
They were all quiet for a moment and then Ken spoke up. “It seems weird without Barbara here. She was always here, from the first week that I came.”
“I miss her, too,” Janie said. “Barbara was here when I first started the group. She could have stopped coming a long time ago, but once she felt stronger, she liked helping others get there, too. She was a good friend.”
“Let’s raise a glass to Barbara.” Ken lifted his Kahlua Sombrero, and they all lifted their glasses and in Janie’s case, a teacup.
“To Barbara,” Janie said.
“As much as I’m going to miss her, I think it should be encouraging for all of us that Barbara was able to move on, and to find love again. I know for a lot of us, it was hard to imagine that could happen,” Janie said.
Ken nodded. “She was a nice lady, I’m happy for her. I don’t see myself ever getting married again, but when I’m a little less sad, I won’t rule out taking someone to dinner.” He grinned. “I might have my pick to choose from. Ever since Susan died, there have been a few women that keep coming by to check on me. They bring me casseroles and cookies. Nice ladies. I get the feeling some of them might say yes if I asked.”
“Ken, if you feel like going out to dinner with any of those ladies, you shouldn’t hesitate. If you’re not ready to call it romance, go out as friends. You might both enjoy the companionship. Then if it turns into something more, so be it,” Janie advised.
“That’s an interesting idea. I do like to go out to eat and I get tired of doing it by myself. If I make it clear that it’s just as friends, you think they might be interested still?”
Janie smiled. “Why don’t you ask and find out?”
“I’ll do that.” Ken turned to Sam and Mia. “What about you two? You both say you’re not ready to get out there, but maybe you can make new friends, too, and see where that goes?”
Mia nodded, thinking of her day with Ben. Even though there was nothing romantic there, it was still nice to get out and have fun.
“You might be onto something. I think I do need to get out more, too, and make some new friends. I can do that.”
Sam grinned. “I think I could probably handle that, too. No pressure, just getting out more.”
Candy took a sip of her wine and looked around the table. “I am most definitely not ready for any of that yet. But I’m glad you all are thinking about it, and it gives me something to look forward to. I hope I’m going to feel more like doing things soon.”
“You will,” Janie assured her. “Just give